Crisis in Craiova's district heating system puts warmth for seniors at risk

The critical state of Craiova's district heating system is raising serious concerns for the city's elderly and senior residents, who are most vulnerable to the low temperatures of this period. The energy crisis affecting Electrocentrale Craiova is putting the heating supply at risk for tens of thousands of residents, particularly pensioners who spend most of their time at home.

Craiova's mayor, Lia Olguța Vasilescu, explained that the problem stems from decades of underinvestment in energy infrastructure, with installations that are over half a century old and have never received adequate modernisation. This situation is especially worrying for older residents, who need consistent and adequate temperatures to maintain their health during the cold season.

Although the Ministry of Energy requested 350 million RON for capital repairs and debt repayment, the refusal at government level has left the system in a precarious state. For Craiova's seniors, this means the risk of being left without heating at critical moments, when both energy units break down simultaneously.

The municipality is attempting to find emergency solutions, including the construction of its own heating plant, but bureaucracy is delaying the process. Currently, the town hall has allocated 20 million RON for the purchase of the necessary coal, in an effort to ensure continuity of heat supply for all residents — particularly the most vulnerable.

Public health experts are warning that prolonged exposure to cold can worsen chronic conditions in elderly people, such as cardiovascular and respiratory problems. Local authorities are therefore urging seniors to take additional protective measures and to seek help should they find themselves without heating in their homes.